The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 1)

Chapter 198 - Suffering Setbacks

However, there was no time to dwell on this right now. Ning Chen changed into his court attire and went to attend the morning assembly.

At that moment, all the concubines in the inner palace had gathered at Fengxi Palace to pay their respects.

Wen De Fei, who had been ill for many days, finally made her appearance.

"It's true that a person feels more spirited when there's good news. It seems Wen De Fei is feeling much better. With Cui Baolin gaining favor, she is from your palace and has been well-trained by you," the Empress said with a smile.

Wen De Fei frowned. "The Emperor promoted Cui Shi?"

"Oh dear, sister, you still don't know! It's because you came late. Just now, the Emperor issued an edict saying that Cui Shi's service in bed was meritorious, and she was promoted to Baolin. The Emperor even specifically asked the Empress to arrange a new residence for Cui Baolin to move out of Chuxiu Palace," Shu Fei deliberately stated.

She had omitted countless details in her few sentences.

Upon hearing this, Wen De Fei felt a chill in her heart, and anger surged within her. She cast a glance at Cui Shi, who stood at the very end, wishing she could kill her.

The Empress feigned a gentle demeanor and softly continued, "It's also because the Emperor understands that you're raising children and shouldn't be disturbed by others. Previously, it was my oversight; I thought you usually held the Emperor's favor."

"Nowadays, there aren't many people in the palace whom the Emperor favors. Having the newcomers under your guidance can help you better understand the Emperor's intentions. However, the Emperor has said that from now on, you won't need to take in any more newcomers. Just stay in Chuxiu Palace," the Empress said.

"Your Highness, it's not that you were inconsiderate; look, the Emperor is very satisfied with Cui Baolin, isn't it because Wen De Fei has taught her well?" Ye Yun chimed in with a smile.

After all, the last time they had a confrontation had already torn the mask off their faces. Wouldn't it be a good opportunity to step on someone's toes and vent some frustration?

"I'm speaking with the Empress; where do you get off interrupting me!" Wen De Fei glared at her in anger.

Wang Xiuyi put down her teacup and laughed, "Wen De Fei, you're a concubine, just like the rest of us. Why distinguish between high and low? Is it that only Wen De Fei is allowed to speak with the legal wife, and we aren't?"

"Sister Wang understands the rules, but some people don't. As concubines, they feel even more superior; could it be they don't even see themselves as concubines?" Ye Yun raised her eyebrows lightly, responding with composure.

Wen De Fei had never been ganged up on like this before, and she felt furious.

Pointing her finger at Wang Xiuyi, she shouted angrily, "Wang Shi, you're getting bold these days! Just because you've given birth to a daughter and the Emperor has favored you a bit, your tail is sticking up to the sky!"

"That's enough!" The Empress slammed the table. "Wen De Fei, you've become increasingly unruly. Wang Xiuyi has given birth to the Second Princess, contributing to the royal lineage. The Second Princess is the Emperor's biological child and a princess of the royal family. Are you saying she's worthless?"

Ye Yun's lips curled into a slight smile as she seized the opportunity to embellish the situation. "Wen De Fei gave birth to the Eldest Prince, so of course, she looks down on the other princes and princesses. After all, among the Emperor's bloodline, only the Eldest Prince is the most esteemed, isn't that right?"